Many of the thoughts and ways of the people of the Holy Land during biblical times often seem strange to our modern Western minds. Robert B. Wright has mined his thirty-plus years of teaching to share the real -- and fascinating -- facts behind some of the Bible s most enigmatic phrases and stories.Wright begins in the Old Testament, explaining why Joseph s special coat infuriated his brothers, how the ancient Israelites inquired of God, Rahab s real job description (innkeeper, not prostitute), and much more. Then Wright proves that the New Testament is no less intriguing -- and no less misunderstood. He shares the real meaning of the phrase eye of a needle, clarifies why Jesus and the disciples were concerned about fishing on the right or wrong side of a boat, separates fact from legend in the nativity story, and sheds light on many other confusing details.Strange Scriptures II is full of mesmerizing information. The enigmas of the biblical text -- from Hebrew puns we never realized were there to how the poetry of the Psalms works to the meaning of the phrase the word of God -- are laid out here in clear and accessible prose. By helping readers understand these peculiar customs, Wright brings the strange and wonderful Scriptures to life.